jas_kidd32
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2005
- Posts
- 153
- Likes
- 10
I'm posting this under "Sound Science" so I could hopefully get some objective answers to my question.
I used to be a resident head-fier back when USB DACs where non-existent and most head-fiers that used PC to play their files used a digital interface (Emu, M-Audio, etc) to send their files either via TOSLINK or SPDIF to a dedicated DAC.
After coming back from a long hiatus, I've noticed a large emergence of USB DACs, which employs their own special way to eliminate jitters.
Is there any advantage in using USB over SPDIF/TOSLINK when transporting digital data to a DAC? Which will be less susceptive of jitters? Should there be any sonic difference?
From what I can tell USB DACs are more convenient which can function with both PC or laptop without requiring an additional component - the digital interface. Also, most USB DACs are plug and play as opposed to pro-grade digital interfaces requiring problematic proprietary drivers to be installed.
I used to be a resident head-fier back when USB DACs where non-existent and most head-fiers that used PC to play their files used a digital interface (Emu, M-Audio, etc) to send their files either via TOSLINK or SPDIF to a dedicated DAC.
After coming back from a long hiatus, I've noticed a large emergence of USB DACs, which employs their own special way to eliminate jitters.
Is there any advantage in using USB over SPDIF/TOSLINK when transporting digital data to a DAC? Which will be less susceptive of jitters? Should there be any sonic difference?
From what I can tell USB DACs are more convenient which can function with both PC or laptop without requiring an additional component - the digital interface. Also, most USB DACs are plug and play as opposed to pro-grade digital interfaces requiring problematic proprietary drivers to be installed.